Beryl Harberg Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Is there anyone out there that was a patient of Dr. Beryl Harberg??
If so can you contact me at [email protected].

Can anyone who was a patient of Dr. Harberg please tell me what doctor took over his cases after he passed away? Thank you.

I have seen Dr. Harberg once so far and really like him. He is very concerned that you know this is a tool, not a cure. I appreciate his straight-forward approach and his serious side. I feel that he is a super choice for me. Dr. Harberg's office staff is great. I never feel like I am a bother to them and they are eager to answer all my questions to the best of their abilities. If they don't know...they find out!

I am very pleased with the results Dr. Harberg was able to achieve. I had relatively no complications and never regret having my VBG.

What was your first impression of him/her?

Dr Harberg was a no-BS up front person. He did have some comical moments (such at the number of times the word vomit was used in his introductory video)
He struck me at our first meeting as being very direct and honest about the surgery being a tool, not a quick fix.
I felt that he might not have the best bed-side manor, but that he would give me the unvarnished truth, which to me is more important then the polite frills.

How did your impression change over time?

In the short term, my impression was accurate. My family complained about his bed-side manor, but that was probably more due to their concerns for me.

I was somewhat upset in retrospect, at the limited amount of follow-up care (which may have been as much my insurance companies limit,) and a lack of referral to support groups or post-op support beyond a few pages of diet instructions and the recommendation of a good source for vitamins.

My major change in impression came much later, I was initially interested in the RNY surgery, and Dr. Harberg at the time was not performing this surgery. He convinced me that the VBG was a better option, I am finding out - a number of years later - that it was probably not. I also found out, 2 years later, that he is now performing RNY, and that many of the things he said against the procedure are now not mentioned as prominently on his web page.

How would you describe his/her office staff?

Excellent, Professional and totally helpful.

What did you like least about him/her?

A lack of post-operative involvement. It did feel almost as if he was there to do the deed and then move on to the next person in line.

What should future patients know about him/her?

He was, when doing my VBG, an excellent surgeon. I have not had any issues with the actual surgery, or complications as a result.

How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?

At the time of my surgery, a 5 page diet hand out, and 3 visits, to remove the stitches, to check on me at the end of the Liquid only period, and to check on me as i moved from soft food to solid foods.

Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?

Not when I was a patient.

How did he/she address the risks of surgery?

Very clinically and thoroughly. I was well prepared for the possibility that I may not come out of the experience, but I was also well assured of his proficiency, and the number of patients he had seen & worked on with out incident. I was well informed about the restrictions on diet, and the importance of taking steps to prevent post-op pneumonia (walking, compression, etc...)

How would you rate him/her overall?

I would have said in the first 2 years that he was an 8 out of 10... I now would scale that back to a 6.5 because I feel that many of the long term issues I am experiencing would not be present if I had gone the rout of a RNY bypass.

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?

Both are great, but with out competence - you may not make it to the bedside... I would rather have 100% faith in my surgeons competence and the bedside manner of a rock then 80% faith in his competence and the bed-side manor of a saint.

PRAISE GOD !!!!!rnI got an email from Vicki, Dr Harberg.s Nurse and he is Cancer FREEEEE !!!!!!!!!rnWhat WONDERFUL News.rnGod is Goood !!!!!!!!!!!rnI can't say enough good about Dr Harberg. My first impression was...a man with a sense of humor and serious about his work. A Dr, who wants you to know all the aspects of surgery and wants to make sure you understand everything about it. His Office Staff is WONDERFUL.....everytime I called them it was like I was their only patient. They work really hard.rnIf you are considering WLS Dr Harberg is a VERY competent surgeon, well known throughout the Hospital he works in, very highly respected by all Med Professionals I met there. He is very serious and dedicated about his work, and does everything but sell the surgery. He just wants to make sure you are serious about the major lifestyle change after the surgery, and that you understand what is expected after surgery. At times he may come off as gruff or blunt, but he just cares about his work.rnAfter surgery you go see him on a regular basis and he recommends joining the Support Group at the Hospital.rnHe has very good bedside manner. The first day after my surgery, I remember him coming in with a smile. Overall I rate him wayyyy over a 10. He's just great that's all.

Dr. Harberg was very straight forward at our initial visit. He repeated many life changing habits that would take place after surgery. I felt that he was very knowledgeable and I trusted him. After the surgery he was very strict and stern about his post op directives. I am very pleased with him. He helped save my life.rnUpdate: I am sad to announce that my surgeon has decided to end his practice due to a personal illness. I am deeply saddened by this news because he has assisted so many in saving their lives now he must attempt to save his own! Prayers and love to you Dr. Beryl L. Harberg. May God truly be with you!

I had consultation with Dr. Harberg on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005. I was not intimidated by him at all. My only concern was his age, but I quickly realized after talking with him that that wasn't going to be a problem. HE ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS THOUROUGHLY. Despite many of the reviews on here, I didn't find him to be grumpy. He just told me how it was and what to expect and if I continued my eating habits after surgery, I would not lose weight. I felt very comfortable with him. rnAll office personnel is great!rnrnrnDr. John LoMonaco did my PS and I am happy with the results....He is a nice man, very knowledgeable and truly a great surgeon, but without the ego a lot of docs can have. I would very much recommend him! Nice office staff as well!

'My first impression on Dr. Harberg was that he is very serious about VBG and wants his patients to understand how they will need to change their habits if they have surgery. I met with Dr. Harberg twice to just ask questions and then a third time when I finally decided to turn in my paperwork to the insurance company. He only does VGB and goes through why he thinks this is the best form of WLS. He does not try to sway you from having another type if you feel that's best for you. He very strongly emphasizes aftercare and the risks associated with VBG. His office staff (Vicky) has been great. Overall

Straight to the point.

Very concerned about the surgery working for you.

very helpful

not to much.

Very straight to the point and passionate about his work.

very much.

As far as I am concerned yes.

Very straight to the point and informative about the aftercare.

High.

To me both is great because I need a doc that is able to be firm and friendly .

My first impression of Dr. Harberg was very straight forward type of guy. He definelty didnt hold any punches he is very honest and lets you know up front that this is not going to be an easy task. He emphasizes after care and what your limitations will be both physically mentally. Overall, I was really impressed and he was able to answer alot of the questions that I had and put my mind at ease.